Agitated mob ransacks liquor outlets near Kolkata

Kolkata, Jan. 27 (ANI): Agitated over the death of seven people due to consumption of spurious liquor, local residents in South 24 Paragna district of West Bengal demolished several illegal liquor shops on Tuesday. Meanwhile, a large police contingent reached the spot to pacify the mob. At least seven persons died and nearly 16 fell sick after consuming hooch (local liquer) in South 24 Paragna District near Kolkata. Most of the victims were daily wage earners and labourers. Family members of the victims along with the local residents attacked the hooch joints and demolished them. The group set on fire a house of a hooch joint owner, who managed to flee. This incident comes barely three weeks after a hooch tragedy in Kolkata claimed 28 lives. Also in May 2008, at least 180 people had lost their lives due to the consumption of the illicit liquor. (ANI)